§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI beg to move, in page 9, line 31, to leave out the word "October" and to insert instead thereof the word "May."
This is the date of coming into force of the Act. I have no particular penchant for any one day rather than another provided the Act is not postponed too far. I think 1st May is a very good day. [An HON. MEMBER: "It is a Sunday."] I have a different reason from hon. Members opposite. It happens to be my birthday and therefore I have a personal predilection for it, but if the Committee think it reasonable to give six months notice I do not mind whether the date is 1st May or 1st July.
§ Question, "That the word 'October' stand part of the Clause," put, and negatived.
§ Question proposed, "That the word 'May' be there inserted."
2693§ Mr. WOMERSLEYI beg to move, as an Amendment to the proposed Amendment, to leave out the word "May," and to insert instead thereof the word "July."
May I appeal to the right hon. Gentleman to withdraw his Amendment and to accept mine to insert July? I think it will be well understood, even by those who have not a technical knowledge of the retail trade, the many difficulties which will confront retailers in getting their pre-packed goods cleared out of their shops ready for the Act coming into force. It is only reasonable to give them at least six months in which to make their preparations. Again, the local authorities will have difficulty in appointing inspectors, and on the ground of convenience to all concerned it would he as well to make it July.
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI am quite ready to accept that, though, as a matter of fact, the pre-packed goods are allowed extra time. But I will sacrifice my predilection.
§ Question, "That the word 'May' stand part of the proposed Amendment," put, and negatived.
§ Word "July" there inserted.
§ Further Amendment made: In page 9, line 31, leave out the word "twenty-six" and insert instead thereof the word "twenty-seven." — [Sir P. Cunliffe.]
§ Clause, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill.